Our Verdict
What's New
- Keyless access with push button start standard on Premium model
Pros & Cons
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- High performance at a low price
- Rally car handling and sophisticated AWD setup
- Showing its age
- Fuel economy worse than competition
- Advanced safety features available only in higher-trim models with CVT
REVIEW
2021 Subaru WRX: An Aging Champion
In the 1990s, WRX stood for “World Rally eXperimental,” and the model helped make its parent vehicle, the Impreza world famous through World Rally Championship wins. Fans were delighted when Subaru brought the second-generation WRX to our shores in 2001, and it’s been a popular budget performance favorite ever since.
The current generation WRX was spun off entirely from the Impreza in 2015 and is due to be replaced by an all-new model in 2022. It may be an aging warrior, but the 2021 model’s competition is in similar shape. Most of the cars the WRX competes with will also be new next year, with all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R models joining a revised Jetta GLI and a hot new Honda Civic Type R (not yet released) expected to challenge the WRX STi. The WRX also competes with Hyundai’s Veloster N, which will be joined in 2022 by the Elantra N.
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Buyers in this market are looking for quick, precise-handling cars that are also practical. Unlike proper sports cars, these machines are adept at carrying people and things, with decent fuel economy and reasonably low prices. Manual transmissions, increasingly rare, are considered highly desirable in this group of cars.
There are two basic ways to get our WRX. The regular WRX models pack a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. There are three WRX trims, but the base model starts out at just $28,420, including destination fees. WRX Premium ($30,970) and Limited ($33,020) add features like heated seats, fog lights and a moonroof (Premium) and a power driver’s seat (Limited).
The WRX STi ($38,790) is an even hotter performer, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat four making 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet, plus a variety of mechanical upgrades for serious track or rally cred. The WRX STi Limited ($42,870) adds visual flair and creature comforts to the raw STi package. Included are a revised all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, a driver-controlled center differential and form-fitting Recaro seats.
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Both WRX and WRX STi include standard torque vectoring which, to quote an old Subaru TV commercial, transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip.
WRX Limited and Premium can also add the Subaru EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance safety features (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning), but only if the car is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The WRX defaults to a six-speed manual transmission (and a close-ratio version on the STi). The CVT is a $1,900 option that most drivers will say takes all the joy out of driving the WRX. A quick survey of new WRXs for sale right now reveals that fewer than 10% are CVTs. The Limited adds blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alerts and rear automatic emergency braking, which are unavailable on other trims.
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The STi s only available with the six-speed manual, and the only advanced driver-assistance safety features are blind-spot detection and rear-cross traffic alert, and then only on the top-of-the-line STi Limited. While the WRX gets five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, the paucity of driver assist features is a stark contrast to many of the car’s rivals.
The WRX comes only as a sedan, and it has a relatively modest 12 cubic-foot trunk. Volkswagen’s Jetta GLI boasts 14 cubic-feet, but most of the rest of the WRX’s competitors are hatchbacks with fold-down rear seats that can accommodate more and larger types of cargo. In comparison, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which becomes 24.8 with the rear seats folded. Hyundai’s Veloster N is even more accommodating at 19.9/44.5, but the winner is the Honda Civic Type R, with 25.7/46.2.
The 2021 Subaru WRX has more generous front headroom than any of its competitors but has an inch less than the VW in the rear seat. It offers better front legroom and is within a few tenths of an inch of the Honda and the VW in rear legroom (the Hyundai has considerably less). Aside from the Veloster these cars’ back seats are practical, but tall passengers won’t love them for long periods of time.
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The base WRX has some worthwhile standard features like remote keyless entry and automatic climate control, but niceties like a moonroof, heated front seats and an upgraded audio system with a larger touchscreen (7.0 inches to the base model’s 6.5) all require moving up to the Premium trim. Leather upholstery, power seats and navigation mean a jump to the Limited.
Volkswagen has a similar hierarchy of features and models for the GTI. The Veloster N comes in only one trim level, with no moonroof, heated seats or leather available, but with a premium audio system standard. The Civic Type R also does not offer a moonroof, heated seats or leather, but is otherwise loaded with amenities and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance safety features standard.
We sampled the WRX Premium model and found its strong points to be acceleration and handling. It’s also a solid value for the price, with more comforts than the bare-bones base model.
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Even in Premium trim, the back-to-basics feel of the WRX enhances the sensation of speed, with a primal exhaust note adding to the experience. The short-throw manual shifter and effortless clutch made gear changes easy and enjoyable.
There’s always power available, even in higher gears. Surprising bursts of speed can be had, right up to the 6,700 RPM redline (peak power happens at 5,600 rpm) in third and fourth gears. Credit that to a wide sweet spot of peak torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm.
Unlike many modern cars that feed a synthetic weight into the steering to create the illusion of road feel or pipe in exhaust noise through the stereo, the WRX delivers the real deal. The communication between front wheels and driver makes it easy to pick exactly the right line and power through twists and turns while modulating the throttle.
The current WRX is on its way out, but that may mean 2021 WRXs might be relatively affordable in this time of inflated vehicle prices. As a performance car there’s still plenty to like.
Warranty
3 Years/36,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
5 Years/Unlimited Miles
3 Years/36,000 Miles